A little less than a year ago me and my family packed all of our belongings and left Stockholm for the small and picturesque town Sigtuna. Ever since we had our first child, Jacob, five years ago, we had dreamed about this day when we would move into a house with a small garden. Here the children could run around and play and we would be so happy.
The day was very beautiful and before we left I had time for a short walk in the neighborhood and a cup of coffee at Spesso Café with my dearest friend, Åsa, who lived very close. As usual I enjoyed the coffee very much, because of the company. At the same time I felt a bit sad – I realized that the only thing I would miss leaving Stockholm was Åsa.
I still remember the first time I really talked to her. We were sixteen and happened to be in the same class at Carlforsska Gymnasium in Västerås. I ran into her down town and we decided to go to Mc Donalds together. Immediately we connected very well and had lots of things to talk about. It felt as if we had known each other for years. After having eaten a burger Åsa looked horrified at me: Oh no! she cried out loudly, I forgot I am a vegtetarian!! Spending time with Åsa is a lot of fun, I promise, and I knew I would miss her a lot moving away. We had been very fortunate to live close for the last five years. We decided to have lunch at least once a month even though we now would live far away, and we could always phone each other every now and then.
A few months passed. We enjoyed the summer in our house with a garden, and the neighbours were really nice. Åsa came to visit with her family, and again I was sad to see them leave after a lovely day. We arranged to have lunch very soon, and so we did. When autumn arrived, both of us seemed to have very busy schedules. No matter what day we tried to meet there was always one of us who had to cancel. Work, illnesses, husbands- I realized it wasn´t that easy to find time for a cup of coffee or lunch with a close friend in a city not that close by.
I missed our conversations, and her genuine interest in me and my life. I missed her jokes and laughter and I missed bumping into her at Konsum, always in search for a healthy ingredient to a soup or something. I missed our power walks and nonstop chatting, and I missed her huge sofas where we could lie down while our chatting went on. I had met no one in Sigtuna who could ever replace her…
In a months time from now we have lived in our house for a year. It won´t be for much longer, though, because we have decided to return to Stockholm to the same neighborhood where we once lived. There are many reasons to why we have made that decision, and for me the loss of Åsa is one of them. During this year I´ve learned the importance of having a dear and close friend – no house with a garden in the world could ever mean more to me than Åsa does! I am so grateful for having a friend like her!
måndag 25 maj 2009
söndag 26 april 2009
Is surveillance necessary or a threat to democracy?
We live in a democratic country and are blessed to have a society based upon these values. Elections are being held every fourth year and are just and fair, and we know we can trust the judicial system. Yet there are more and more criminal actions and violence taken place both here in Sweden and else where in the world. Terrorism has shaken our world too many times now and has left us with a sense of insecurity and fear. Threats towards our democratic values are suddenly very near and clear. How are we going to protect ourselves and our society? One measure taken is to increase the surveillance of the citizens and their actions. We are being observed daily not only when walking outdoors in the streets or visiting shops, but also when doing our everyday chores such as checking our e-mail or paying with a credit card. Is this increasing surveillance really necessary, or is it in fact in itself a threat to democracy?
For me, this kind of surveillance is not a big issue. I have nothing to hide and I can’t see why anyone who is honest and has nothing to hide would object to being observed in this way. In some schools in the neighbourhood where I work, cameras have been installed in order to decrease the number of thefts and vandalism. I have not yet found out whether or not these measures have been successful, but in my opinion I believe that the society today needs to be surveyed for the people to feel safe and secure.
In my own school there have been quite a few incidents of thefts, jackets and bags have been stolen, and there have also been some incidents where pupils have been very mean towards each other. In cases like these it would have been very helpful to have recordings to watch. I also think that cameras might have a preventive effect, and every violent attack or theft avoided is a gain!
On the other hand, some people argue that cameras restrict one’s freedom and that they do not belong in a democratic country. They fear that the information might be misused and end up in the wrong hands, and of course that could be a disaster.
However, having a world and society like this with increasing criminal incidents, I feel that surveillance of the citizens is something we need to accept. It would be fantastic if there were no need for it, but unfortunately there is. But if all of us act according to our democratic values, maybe someday the surveillance will no longer be necessary…
We live in a democratic country and are blessed to have a society based upon these values. Elections are being held every fourth year and are just and fair, and we know we can trust the judicial system. Yet there are more and more criminal actions and violence taken place both here in Sweden and else where in the world. Terrorism has shaken our world too many times now and has left us with a sense of insecurity and fear. Threats towards our democratic values are suddenly very near and clear. How are we going to protect ourselves and our society? One measure taken is to increase the surveillance of the citizens and their actions. We are being observed daily not only when walking outdoors in the streets or visiting shops, but also when doing our everyday chores such as checking our e-mail or paying with a credit card. Is this increasing surveillance really necessary, or is it in fact in itself a threat to democracy?
For me, this kind of surveillance is not a big issue. I have nothing to hide and I can’t see why anyone who is honest and has nothing to hide would object to being observed in this way. In some schools in the neighbourhood where I work, cameras have been installed in order to decrease the number of thefts and vandalism. I have not yet found out whether or not these measures have been successful, but in my opinion I believe that the society today needs to be surveyed for the people to feel safe and secure.
In my own school there have been quite a few incidents of thefts, jackets and bags have been stolen, and there have also been some incidents where pupils have been very mean towards each other. In cases like these it would have been very helpful to have recordings to watch. I also think that cameras might have a preventive effect, and every violent attack or theft avoided is a gain!
On the other hand, some people argue that cameras restrict one’s freedom and that they do not belong in a democratic country. They fear that the information might be misused and end up in the wrong hands, and of course that could be a disaster.
However, having a world and society like this with increasing criminal incidents, I feel that surveillance of the citizens is something we need to accept. It would be fantastic if there were no need for it, but unfortunately there is. But if all of us act according to our democratic values, maybe someday the surveillance will no longer be necessary…
onsdag 15 april 2009
Let us welcome grades in Primary school!
In the eighties when I went to school, I remember how I and my classmates used to talk about and long for the day, in the eight grade, when we were going to receive our first grades. When that day finally arrived we were all very excited and I don't think anyone was surprised about their grades – everybody was well aware of what level they had reached.Today pupils don't have to wait that long for their first grades and I welcome that change! Pupils and their parents deserve to know their strengths and what to improve preferably in the end of Primary school!
The main reason is that schools together with pupils and their parents need time to work with areas that need some extra effort. Waiting too long to inform pupils and parents about the situation might decrease the chance to solve the problem. Clear and straightforward information and good communication between school and parents are crucial and focus must of course be put on the strengths of the pupil. Grades can and must not replace the important dialogue, but combined they provide the best information possible, I think.
Another reason for having grades in Primary school is that it makes many pupils work harder. Grades are for some pupils the best incentives, and their motivation increases. Today when international studies reveals that the Swedish pupils results are not as high as many other countries results, we need to make a change. One measure to take might be to put greater focus on the importance of knowledge, and to make pupils realize that school is important. Grades are one of many ways to work in that direction.
Some people who argue against grades in Primary school mean that grades make pupils feel bad and nervous, focusing too much on the results instead of appreciating and seeing the value of the process. I think that might be the case the first and second time the pupil receives the grades, but after a while he or she will get used to them and stop thinking about them too much.
We live in a global world and compared to children in other countries we don't grade our children very early. So far I haven´t heard anything about pupils in other countries feeling terrible about receiving grades at an early age, and if we want to have a chance to compete internationally I believe the Swedish school needs some changes. Finally we have taken one step towards having a school system to be proud of – and I am now looking very much forward to giving my first grades instead of receiving them!
The main reason is that schools together with pupils and their parents need time to work with areas that need some extra effort. Waiting too long to inform pupils and parents about the situation might decrease the chance to solve the problem. Clear and straightforward information and good communication between school and parents are crucial and focus must of course be put on the strengths of the pupil. Grades can and must not replace the important dialogue, but combined they provide the best information possible, I think.
Another reason for having grades in Primary school is that it makes many pupils work harder. Grades are for some pupils the best incentives, and their motivation increases. Today when international studies reveals that the Swedish pupils results are not as high as many other countries results, we need to make a change. One measure to take might be to put greater focus on the importance of knowledge, and to make pupils realize that school is important. Grades are one of many ways to work in that direction.
Some people who argue against grades in Primary school mean that grades make pupils feel bad and nervous, focusing too much on the results instead of appreciating and seeing the value of the process. I think that might be the case the first and second time the pupil receives the grades, but after a while he or she will get used to them and stop thinking about them too much.
We live in a global world and compared to children in other countries we don't grade our children very early. So far I haven´t heard anything about pupils in other countries feeling terrible about receiving grades at an early age, and if we want to have a chance to compete internationally I believe the Swedish school needs some changes. Finally we have taken one step towards having a school system to be proud of – and I am now looking very much forward to giving my first grades instead of receiving them!
torsdag 2 april 2009
The climate change
What are the reasons for not doing everything we possibly can to help saving our planet?
The latest years research after research have emphasized the need for a big change in the world’s attitude towards pollution. The global warming is increasing more rapidly than expected and we can already see the consequences as floods, hurricanes and landslides are more frequent than earlier years. Still there are many people who seem not to realize that we all need to take responsibility and work together in order to slow down and eventually stop this dangerous development. What excuses do we have for not doing everything we possibly can to help saving our planet?
One excuse I’ve heard from several friends is that it isn’t really as bad as scientists say. The changes in the climate are just a natural change, they say, which has occurred earlier. During periods of time it will get warmer and then it will get cooler again. I find this argument very hard to believe, and if people read more about this they would find out that this kind of changes have not occurred earlier, and at least not this rapidly.
Although there are some ignorant people, I think most of us today are aware of the situation. But even though we are concerned it is sometimes very hard to change habits and stop doing things we are used to. For instance many families travel abroad at least once a year and are also used to having access to one or two cars. Having to take the train is for some people a major change, a change that might affect their life a great deal, and that is perhaps not an option. Maybe that would force people to move in to the bigger cities, closer to the jobs, to make every day life run smoother. The climate change hasn’t affected us that much yet that we are willing to give up our comfortable lives, and luxury habits.
A third reason for the slow change in people’s behaviours might be that in order to live climate friendly we need to do things in another way, as mentioned above. Often that is, at least to start with, more time consuming than the ways we are used to do things. Taking care of garbage and recycling as much as possible isn’t difficult but it takes some time and today time is something we have very little of.
I’m afraid I can’t say I’m an expert in this area, nor can I say that I do everything I possibly can to help stopping the global warming. Although I’d rather travel by train than by plane, I have to admit that it has more to do to my fear of flying than to me feeling responsibility for the climate change. I don't know what it takes to make all of us realizing that we have to start acting now, instead of making silly excuses for our lazy behaviours and lack of time. If we don't, I’m afraid that soon the planet won’t have much time left either.
The latest years research after research have emphasized the need for a big change in the world’s attitude towards pollution. The global warming is increasing more rapidly than expected and we can already see the consequences as floods, hurricanes and landslides are more frequent than earlier years. Still there are many people who seem not to realize that we all need to take responsibility and work together in order to slow down and eventually stop this dangerous development. What excuses do we have for not doing everything we possibly can to help saving our planet?
One excuse I’ve heard from several friends is that it isn’t really as bad as scientists say. The changes in the climate are just a natural change, they say, which has occurred earlier. During periods of time it will get warmer and then it will get cooler again. I find this argument very hard to believe, and if people read more about this they would find out that this kind of changes have not occurred earlier, and at least not this rapidly.
Although there are some ignorant people, I think most of us today are aware of the situation. But even though we are concerned it is sometimes very hard to change habits and stop doing things we are used to. For instance many families travel abroad at least once a year and are also used to having access to one or two cars. Having to take the train is for some people a major change, a change that might affect their life a great deal, and that is perhaps not an option. Maybe that would force people to move in to the bigger cities, closer to the jobs, to make every day life run smoother. The climate change hasn’t affected us that much yet that we are willing to give up our comfortable lives, and luxury habits.
A third reason for the slow change in people’s behaviours might be that in order to live climate friendly we need to do things in another way, as mentioned above. Often that is, at least to start with, more time consuming than the ways we are used to do things. Taking care of garbage and recycling as much as possible isn’t difficult but it takes some time and today time is something we have very little of.
I’m afraid I can’t say I’m an expert in this area, nor can I say that I do everything I possibly can to help stopping the global warming. Although I’d rather travel by train than by plane, I have to admit that it has more to do to my fear of flying than to me feeling responsibility for the climate change. I don't know what it takes to make all of us realizing that we have to start acting now, instead of making silly excuses for our lazy behaviours and lack of time. If we don't, I’m afraid that soon the planet won’t have much time left either.
måndag 16 mars 2009
Blog #2
Blog # 2
Being the mother of two young children and at the same time working full time and taking this interesting English course, makes my time watching TV very limited.
But when I do watch TV, after all the chores are done, I really enjoy British TV series. My absolute favourite is Cold feet. It’s been a few years since the last program was broadcasted but I remember it clearly. I could hardly stop crying when Rachel was killed in a car accident. The characters, especially Adam, are fantastic and I really like their Manchester accent.
Another lovely British TV series is The Midsummer murders. No summer without Mr. Barnaby! I’m not sure why I like it that much though; the plot is often a bit silly and quite unrealistic sometimes. It’s probably the picturesque setting that appeals to me, reminding me of the months I spent in the south of England when I was younger.
Almost as good as the British programs are the Danish, I believe. Mordkommissionen is a favourite and Mads Mikkelson is a great actor! It is a thrilling program and it’s also interesting to see the relationships change.
Writing this, I´m beginning to long for the late summer evenings when I make my self a cup of tea, nestling in my TV chair and enjoy the next season of Midsummer Murders. No chores in the world will make me miss out on those evenings, and I´m sure that some pleasure makes me a much better mum as well…
Being the mother of two young children and at the same time working full time and taking this interesting English course, makes my time watching TV very limited.
But when I do watch TV, after all the chores are done, I really enjoy British TV series. My absolute favourite is Cold feet. It’s been a few years since the last program was broadcasted but I remember it clearly. I could hardly stop crying when Rachel was killed in a car accident. The characters, especially Adam, are fantastic and I really like their Manchester accent.
Another lovely British TV series is The Midsummer murders. No summer without Mr. Barnaby! I’m not sure why I like it that much though; the plot is often a bit silly and quite unrealistic sometimes. It’s probably the picturesque setting that appeals to me, reminding me of the months I spent in the south of England when I was younger.
Almost as good as the British programs are the Danish, I believe. Mordkommissionen is a favourite and Mads Mikkelson is a great actor! It is a thrilling program and it’s also interesting to see the relationships change.
Writing this, I´m beginning to long for the late summer evenings when I make my self a cup of tea, nestling in my TV chair and enjoy the next season of Midsummer Murders. No chores in the world will make me miss out on those evenings, and I´m sure that some pleasure makes me a much better mum as well…
söndag 1 mars 2009
Blog #1
Growing up today is in many aspects quite different from growing up in the seventies and the eighties as I did. Not many years have passed but still there are a lot of changes that have taken place. Now, having children of my own and of course meeting children everyday at work, means that I notice these changes and have to reflect about how school and me as a teacher and parent can meet and help the young children of today in a good way.
When I was a child we didn’t have any computer and there were children’s program on TV only during an hour a day. My family didn’t buy a video player until I was a teenager, and I still remember how fantastic I thought it was to watch a rental movie the first time at home! Today most children have a computer at home, many have got their own, and the TV offers programs during the whole day non stop. Many children spend several hours every day in front of their computer or TV. I believe it is very important and a great challenge for the adults not to let the computer and TV rule the children’s lives. Instead of sitting still they need more physical activities, for instance playing football, climbing trees or biking.
In my school, as in many others, we focus a lot on reading, and the more experienced teachers say they notice a big difference in the ability to read and concentrate on reading between children of today and children twenty years ago. It seems as if reading books is an activity that many children of today are not very used to, and that’s sad I think, since there are so many exciting and wonderful stories to read. I read aloud a lot, both to my pupils and to my son and daughter, trying to make them discover the fascinating world of books.
An even greater challenge that the adults have today is to help children believe in themselves. Since TV and the computer play a greater role in the children’s lives today they also get influenced by commercials and different stereotypes from TV-series. We have to help our children to build their confidence so that they feel they are good enough and can make choices that are good from their perspective. In this world there are so many opportunities in way of living and what to do, which is fantastic but it can also make it hard to make up your mind and feel happy about your decision. If we can make children feel happy about themselves I’m sure they can handle the experiences and challenges in life in a much better way and learn from it instead of feeling as a failure.
And the absolutely most important thing to make children feel happy about themselves is to let them know that they are loved.
When I was a child we didn’t have any computer and there were children’s program on TV only during an hour a day. My family didn’t buy a video player until I was a teenager, and I still remember how fantastic I thought it was to watch a rental movie the first time at home! Today most children have a computer at home, many have got their own, and the TV offers programs during the whole day non stop. Many children spend several hours every day in front of their computer or TV. I believe it is very important and a great challenge for the adults not to let the computer and TV rule the children’s lives. Instead of sitting still they need more physical activities, for instance playing football, climbing trees or biking.
In my school, as in many others, we focus a lot on reading, and the more experienced teachers say they notice a big difference in the ability to read and concentrate on reading between children of today and children twenty years ago. It seems as if reading books is an activity that many children of today are not very used to, and that’s sad I think, since there are so many exciting and wonderful stories to read. I read aloud a lot, both to my pupils and to my son and daughter, trying to make them discover the fascinating world of books.
An even greater challenge that the adults have today is to help children believe in themselves. Since TV and the computer play a greater role in the children’s lives today they also get influenced by commercials and different stereotypes from TV-series. We have to help our children to build their confidence so that they feel they are good enough and can make choices that are good from their perspective. In this world there are so many opportunities in way of living and what to do, which is fantastic but it can also make it hard to make up your mind and feel happy about your decision. If we can make children feel happy about themselves I’m sure they can handle the experiences and challenges in life in a much better way and learn from it instead of feeling as a failure.
And the absolutely most important thing to make children feel happy about themselves is to let them know that they are loved.
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